Bottom washer machine for battery cans



Sept. 30, l94'7,A A. SCHMIDT BOTTOM WASHER MACHINE FOR BATTERY CANS Filed Jan; ll,` 1945 2 Sheets-Shel??l `41 l INVENTOR. Y LF/fp 5CH/w07 BY TTOK NE y,

Patented Sept. 30, 1947 BOTTOM WASHER MACIINE FOR BATTERY CAN Alfred Schmidt, Weehawken, N. J.

Application January 11, 1945, Serial No. 572,411

(Cl. SiS-36.01)

19 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a bottom washer machine for battery cans.

The dominating feature of the new machine resides in the fact that it automatically stamps, or cuts, washers from a roll of washer material and automatically engages these washers into the bottoms of battery cans. In the particular design of the machine disclosed, the cut washers are square, and the four corners are turned up when the washers are pushed into the battery cans. By turning up the four corners of each washer, it has a tendency to locate the bobbin, or dolly of the battery cell in the center of the can. However, it must be clear that many shapes .and designs of washers may be automatically cut, and engaged in place in the battery cans with the new bottom washer machine. The new machine improves the present practice of punching washers from washer material with the usual punch press, and thereafter placing the Washers into the bottoms of the cans.

The invention also proposes the construction of a bottom washer machine for battery cans which embodies numerous desirable features. For example, it is proposed to provide the machine with a bottom washer receiving die. Battery can feeding means is arranged to feed the battery cans toa position in back of the die, and then past the die. There is means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die. A cutter is provided for cutting a bottom washer from said strip of washer material for entering the die. This cutter maybe a stamping proposition, such as a usual die and plunger, or it may comprise a simple cutting operation, such as with knife blades.

The out washers are guided to enter the die. It is proposed to provide a plu-nger in front of the die for forcing a washer into the back of a can in back of said die.

forcing a cut washer into the bottom of the can. It is proposed to make this stop adjustable so that strips of washer material of different thickness are useable in this machine.

The invention proposes to removably mount said bottom washer receiving die so that it may ,be easily removed and replaced when it is re- The invention contemplates that said plunger rial is associated with feeding means for keeping the cutter supplied.

The new invention proposes to provide a stop for engaging against the back of the can which is positioned to the back of the die so as to hold the can while the plunger moves rearwards for quired to make a die change.

It is proposed to provide an adjustment for the means which feeds the strip of washer material, so that it is possible to select a suitable size for the washers that are being out off from the strip.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are moreparticularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a bottom washer machine for battery cans, constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 isa fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 6--6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of a portion of the machine, this view being taken looking in the direction of the line 1--1 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through one of the battery cans, and illustrating the plunger of the machine within the can as it appears when forcing a washer into the bottom of the can.

Fig. 10 is an end elevational view of the battery can shown in Fig. 9 with the plunger removed and looking into the open end of the can.

Fig. 11 is a perspective View of one of the washers, with a schematic showing of the line of bending of the washer when it is forced into the battery can. f.

The bottom washer machine for battery cans, in accordance with this invention, includes a bottom washer receiving die I5. This die is in the form of a metal plate. It has an opening I6 extended downward from the top edge, through which a out washer may fall so as to assume a position in front of a circular opening I'I formed in the die. This circular opening I'I has its front edges I8 rounded so as to facilitate bending of the edge portions of the washer, as will be herein after more fully described. The die I is removably mounted on a body I9 of the machine. It is slidably supported on a track 2|! mounted upon the back face of the body t9. The top edge portion of the die |5 engages a groove 2| formed in the top portion of the body I9.

The die I5 is removably held .on the body I9 by a latch. This latch includes a bolt 22 slidably mounted on the body I9 and having a forked end 23 engageable behind a headed stud 24 mounted on one edge of the die I5. The bolt 22 is slidably supported by several studs 25 mounted on the body I9 and engaging through slots 26 formed in said bo1t`22. A spring 2'I is mounted between one of the studs 25 and a pin 28 mounted on the bolt-22. The spring 21 urges the bolt 22 into its locking position. The pin 28 may be gripped and moved so as to move the bolt 22 to an open position free from the headed stud 24. Then the die I5 is free to be removed. It may be gripped and slide outI from its position.

Battery cans feeding means is arranged to feed battery cans to a position in back of the die I5 and then past the die. This means includes a battery ca-n holding wheel 39 mounted on a shaft 3|. The wheel 30 has a pair of spaced anges 32 which are formed with notches 33 to receive and hold battery cans, as for example, the battery can 34 illustrated in position in several views of the drawings.

One end of the shaft 3| is supported by the body I9. The other end of this shaft is supported by a standard 35. The body I9, and standard 35 are mounted upon a base plate 35 of the machine. A Geneva drive 'notched wheel 31 is mounted upon the shaft 3|, and is engaged by a drive pinion 38 mounted on a shaft 39 rotatively supported at one end on said standard 3 5. The Geneva drive is of standard construction. It has the usual pin 40 for engaging the peripheral slots 4I formed in the Genevadrive wheel 3l.

The Geneva drive pinion 38 is also formed with the usual holding projection 42 which engages cutouts 43 on said wheel 31 and located between said slots 4|. The other end of the shaft 39 is rotatively supported in a standard 44 also mounted on the base 36.

The shaft 39 is provided with a spiral gear 59 meshing with a spiral gear 5| mounted on a shaft 9| rotatively supported on the standard 44. A stud shaft 52 is mounted on said standard 44. The shaft 5?. is provided with a drive pulley 54. It is also provided with a small wheel 55 by which said shaft 52 may be manually turned, whenever this is desired. It should be recognized that when the pulley 54 is driven rotations will be transmitted by said shaft 52 to a pinion 94 mounted on the shaft 52 and meshing with a gear 93 which is mounted on said shaft 9 I. Rotations of the shaft 9| will be transmitted by spiral gears 50 and 5| to the shaft 39, the Geneva drive and then to the can holding wheel 30. It is proposed to supply the wheel 30 with cans in the usual way, by a supply chute, not shown on the drawing. It is proposed that the cans with the washers, to be conveyed away from the machine by a discharge chute, not shown on the drawings, such chutes being generally known in 4 the art. It is pointed out that said wheel 39 will move in steps. It will position the battery can 34 directly behind the die I5, for a short period of time, and then will move this can away, and will position on a new can behind the die I5. In this way the operation continues.

The bottom washer receiving die I5 is associated with means for guiding a strip of washer material 60 towards the die. This strip of Washer material 60 may be from a large roll of washer material, or from any other supply source. The strip of washer material 60 is guided through a at tubular member 6| which is provided with a pair of lugs 62 by which it is mounted on rods 63. These rods 63 are stationarily mounted across brackets B4 which are mounted upon the sides of said body I9. The strip of washer material 69 after leaving the flat tubular member 6| passes between a pair of rollers 65 and 66. These rollers act to guide said strip of washer material, They also act as feeding rollers, as hereinafter more fully explained. The strip of washer material 50 continues downwards entering a slot 67 Yformed in a top portion 68 oi said body I9. The slot |57 is aligned with the opening I6. For this reason washers cut from the strip 69, may enter the die I5 and assume a position across the front opening I 'I.

The cutter for cutting a washer from the strip of washer material is located immediately above the die I 5. This cutter may be of any design and construction. It may act in the manner of a punch, for not only cutting Washers from the strip of washer material, but it may cut washers .of any selected design or shape. In the particular form of the cutter, illustrated upon the drawings, it comprises a stationary knife 'I9 and a moveable knife '|I. The stationary knife 'I0 is mounted in an opening in the top portion 68. It is held in position by a screw 'I2 which passes downwardly through a slot 'I3 formed in the moveable knife blade 'I I.

The stationary blade 'IB has a beveled cutting edge '|4. The moveable blade II has a complementary beveled cutting edge l5. The moveable blade 'II has an opening I6 through which the washer strip Ell may pass, to enter the die I5. A spring 'I'I urges the moveable blade 'II into a retracted position. The spring I1 is connected with a stud 'I8 mounted on the moveable blade 'II and passing through an opening 'I9 formed in the top portion 68. The spring 'I1 is also connected with a stationary stud 80 mounted on the top portion 68. The spring 'I'I acts to draw the moveable blade 'II frontwards, that is, away from the die I5. After the cutter, cuts o" a washer from the washer strip 69, the washer is free to fall into the opening I6 of the die I5, and this opening therefore, acts as means for guiding the washer to enter the die I5 correctly.

A plunger has one of its ends slidably engaging through the body I9 for forcing a washer from the die I5 into the can 34 which is to the back of the die I5. The plunger 85 has its other end slidably supported in a standard 86 which is also mounted on the base 36 of the machine. Said plunger 85 is associated with means by which it may be reciprocated for synchronization with the battery can feeding means so that the plunger may force a washer into a can, each time that a can is moved back of the die. This means for reciprocating the plunger 85, includes a bracket 8'I mounted upon the plunger 85 and provided with a vertical slot 88. A pin 89 which is mounted on a disc 90 engages the vertical slot 38. The pin `85| is eccentrically arranged on said disc 96. The disc 90 is supported on the shaft 9|, which is rotatively mounted through said standard 45. The shaft 9| is provided with said gear 93 which meshes with said pinion -95 on the shaft 52. Consequently rotations from the pulley 54 will be transmitted by the shaft 52, pinion 94, gear 33, to the shaft 9|. This will rotate the disc 9B, and the eccentrically mounted pin 59 will reciprocate the plunger 85.

A set screw 56 connects the bracket 81 with the plunger 85 which permits a longitudinal adjustment of the plunger 85 to a satisfactory position. A back stop |63 is adjustably mounted on the standard 35 and is positioned to the back of the can 3d which is behind the opening I1 of the die l5. This back stop |30 is supported on a threaded shank |U| which is threadedly mounted on the standard 35. By the proper adjustment of the back stop |00, and the plunger 85, and the bracket S1 it is possible to so arrange the partsthat Y from the drive pulley 54, and since the Geneva drive is driven indirectly by the same drive pulley 54, it will be readily recognized that it is merely a matter of design to properly synchronize the operation of the plunger 85 with the means for feeding the battery cans to the position in back of the die |5 and then past the die.

The cutter blade 1| is automatically operated for cutting washers for the die I5, to keep the die supplied with Washers. For this purpose a finger |04 is mounted upon the plunger 35. This nger |03 has a slotted bottom end |55 through which a clamp bolt |55 passes, by which the bracket IM may be clamped onto the plunger 85, in proper position, so that when the plunger 85 is near its eXtreme rear position, the position in which it is completely in the can, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the bracket |34 will strike the projecting end of the blade 1|, moving the blade rear- Wards so that the cutting edges 14 and 'i5 cooperate to cut off the washer from the washer strip 60. However, it should be clear that the washer strip 6|) must be properly fed downwards, so that there is a suitable length of washer material beneath the cutting blades 1|! and 1| so that the proper size of washer is cut 01T. The cut off washer will first rest upon the top of the plunger 85. When the plunger 85 reaches a position near its complete forward position, the position in which it is toward the right, then the washer |02 which was just cut off from the washer material 6|), will fall down and assume a position directly behind the opening I`| in the die |5. The next time the plunger 85 moves rearwards it will force this washer |02 into the can 34.

The means for the properly feeding the washer strip 6E to keep the cutter properly supplied, includes the said rollers 65 and 55. The roller 66 is rotatively mounted between the brackets 64. More specifically, it is mounted upon a shaft which is rotatively supported by the brackets 64. The roller 65 has several knurled circumferential areas for assisting in gripping the washer strip lBl'l. The roller 65 is mounted upon a shaft I|2 which is rotatively supported in blocks H3. These blocks ||3 are slidably mounted upon tracks I I4 formed upon the top and bottom faces of openings II 5 formed in lugs ||6 projecting from the brackets 64. Strips close the ends of the grooves ||5. Small expansion springs ||8 act between the strips ||1 and the blocks I3 for indirectly resiliently urging the roller 65 towards the roller 6B. Small set screws |26, see Fig. 6, are adjustably mounted in the bases of the grooves H5 and limit the action of the springs I i8 so that the roller 65 will not contact, and in time damage, the knurling |I| of the roller 66. However, the roller 65 is urged sufficiently close to the roller 65 so that the strip of washer material 63 is gripped and held.

The shaft IId projects from one of the brackets '54. This projecting end is provided with a ratchet wheel |25. A leaf spring |25l which is mounted on a block |21 which in turn is mounted on one of the rods 53, engages the ratchet Wheel |25 to prevent back turning of the shaft III). A lever |28 is loosely mounted on the shaft H0. This lever |28 carries a pawl |29 which is urged against the ratchet wheel |25 by a spring |30. The spring |30 acts between the pawl |29 and a pin |3| mounted on the lever |28 to urge the pawl |23 against the ratchet wheel |25.

One end of the lever |28 is pivotally connected with a link |32 which in turn is pivotally connected with a bar |33 which is slidably mounted in a groove |35 formed in the body I9. A plate |35 engages over the groove |34 for holding the bar |33 from coming out of the groove. The bottom end of the bar |33 is provided a finger |36 which is engaged by a cam |31 mounted on the shaft 39. The finger |36 is urged upwards against the cam |31 by an expansion spring |36 which is mounted through an opening |39 formed in the base plate 35. This spring |38 acts between the bottom of the finger |35 and a bar |435 which is mounted by several washers Uil and screws |42 on the bottom of the base 36. A stud |43 is connected with the finger |36 and is provided with a nut |54 which may be fixed in adjusted positions. This nut 44 will strike said bar |40 when the finger |35 moves upwards. For this reason the finger |36 cannot follow the cam |31 completely upwards, but will be stopped some distance from the top position of the cam.

The adjustment nut IM will control the length of the Washer strip 50r which is fed downwards. When the cam |31 moves the finger |36 downwards, the motion will be transmitted by the bar |33, the link |32, the lever |28 and the pawl |29 to the ratchet wheel |25 for turning the ratchet wheel |25 :a preselected distance and indirectly turning the drive roller 66 which feeds the washer strip '55 downwards. The length of feeding of the washer strip 56 will be controlled by the distance that the cam |31 moves the finger |35 downwards. The shafts IIB and H2 are connected with each other by 'gears |56 and |41 mounted on these shafts, and meshing with each other. With this arrangement rotations from the roller 66 will be transmitted indirectly to turn the roller 55 and assist in the feeding of the washer strip 5|). A knurled hand wheel |48 is mounted on the shaft H by which the rollers 55 and E56 may be manually turned when it is desired to unthread the washer strip 6|).V To do this it is necessary to flex the spring |26 to disengage it from the ratchet wheel |25, and also it is necessary to lift up the pawl |29. f l

The operation of the device is as follows:

Let us start considering the operation of the machine at the point where the plunger 85 starts moving towards the die t5. It strikes the washer IGZ in front of it and forces the washer through the die opening Il' which bends the edge portions about the dot and dash line circle (50, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 11. In this bent condition of the washer, it is forced into the can 34 until it reaches the bottom of the can 31S, as illustrated in Fig. 9. Figs. 1 to 5 illustrate they machine in a position a short time before the plunger 65 reaches its position fully in the can 34. In the illustrated position the cam 43'! is at its bottommost position in which the finger 136 was pressed downwards to its full extent, and indirectly through the bar E33, the link S32, the lever [28 and pawl 29, caused the washer strip 60 to be fed downwards, a washer length. Next the bracket |04 on the moving plunger 85 will strike the knife 'Il moving it so that the cutting edges 'I5 and 'I4 cooperate to out oi a washer from the washer strip 60. The cut 01T washer will fall down slightly and then will rest on the plunger 35. By this time, the plunger 85 has completely placed a washer 192 into the can 34.

The plunger 85 now moves outwards, and when its end passes the slot l5 of the die I5, the newly cut Washer will fall down and assume a position back of said plunger 85. As soon as the plunger 85 is moved completely out of the can 34, the mechanism which moves the cans 34 will operate. The Geneva drive functions to indirectly turn the wheel Sil an amount which will cause the can 34 with its washer to be moved away from the back of the die l5, and will cause a new can to be moved into the position now occupied by said can 34. The operation is now ready to be repeated.

The timing of the machine may be understood by noting that the plunger 85 will reciprocate once for each time that the disc 90 makes one revolution, caused by the eccentric pin 89 which engages the slot 88 of bracket 8l. Furthermore, shafts 39 and 9| are rotating at the same speed. The Geneva advances one notch for each reciprocation of the plunger 85. The Washer material 60 advances one washer length for each rotation of shaft 39.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Y

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of lwasher material towards said die, a cutter xfor cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said 'washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied.

2. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, a support for said receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a Washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a. washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the die supplied with Washers, means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, and means for releasably holding said receiving die on said support.

3. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, a support for said receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, means for feeding said strip of Washer material to keep said cutter supplied, and means for releasably holding said receiving die on said support including a latch for holding said die in position.

4. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, a support for said receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for receiprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting Washers for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, and means for releasably holding said receiving die on said support including a latch for holding said die in position, said latch comprising a bolt slidably mounted and having a forked end, and a headed stud on one side of said bottom washer receiving die engageable on said forked end for holding the die in position.

5. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer materia] towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom Washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and tubular member into the can in 'back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter sup-plied, said means for guiding said strip of washer material includes a at tubular member stationarily mounted and through which said strip of washer material passes.

6. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die,

a cutter for cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, said means for guiding said strip of washer material includes a at tubular member stationarily mounted and through which said strip of washer material passes, and said means for feeding said strip of washer material including a pair of rollers beneath said fiat tubular member and between which said strip of vwasher material passes. 7. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a'plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed pastl said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, said means for guiding said strip of washer material includes a flat stationarily mounted and 'through which said strip .of washer material passes, and said means for feeding saidV strip of washer materialincluding a pair of rollers beneath said flat tubular member and between lwhich said strip of washer material passes, Vone of said rollers being resiliently mounted and urged towards the other roller for more securely holding said washer material.' e

8. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising abottom washer receiving die, means forv feeding battery cans to a position-in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip vof washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting va, bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger infront of said die for forcinga washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washerrinto each can as the cansl are removed past Vsaid die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washer for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, said means for guiding said strip of washer material infcludes a iiat tubular member stationarilymounted andthrough which said strip of washer materialrpasses, and said means for feeding said strip of washer material including a, pair of rollers beneath said iiat tubular member and between which said strip of washer material passes, one of said rollers being resiliently mounted and urged .towards the other roller for more securely holding said washer material, and said means for feeding said strip of washer material including a ratchet wheel connected with one of said rollers, a lever pivotally mounted adjacent said ratchet wheel, `a pawl mounted on said lever and resiliently urged against said ratchet wheel, and means synchronized with the operation of said plunger for moving said lever to feed said Washer material.

9. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of `washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a Vwasher from said die and into the-can in back ofA said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washer for the die lto keepthe die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, said means for guiding -said strip of washer material includes a hat tubularV member stationarily mounted and through whichjsaid strip of washer material passes, and said n ieans for feeding said strip of washermaterial including a pair of rollers beneath vsaid fiat tubular member and between which said strip of washer material passes, one of said rollers being resiliently mounted and urged towards the other roller for more securely holding said washer material, and said means for vfeeding said strip, of washer material including a ratchet'wheel connected with one of said rollers, av lever pivotally mounted adjacent said ratchet wheel, a pawl mounted on said lever and resiliently urged against said ratchet wheel, and means synchronized with the operation of said plunger for moving said lever to feed said washer material, and including a linky pivotally con nected with said lever, a bar slidably mounted and connected withsaid link, a finger mounted on said bar, and a cam for depressing said finger. 10. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising abottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans .to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding` a stripv of washer material towards said die, a cutter forl cutting a bottom Washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die forforcing a washer from said die and into theY can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feedingmeans for inserting a washer into each ,can as thecans are removed `past said die, means for-operating Asaid cutter for cutting washer for the ldie tokeep the die supplied with washers, and means .for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, said means for guiding said strip of washer material includes a fiat tubular' member stationarily mounted and through which said strip. of washer .material passes, and said means for feeding said stripv of Washer material includinga pair of rollers beneath. said at tubular member and between which said strip of washer material passes, one of said rollers being resiliently mounted and urged towards the other roller for more securely holding said washer material, and said means for feeding said strip of washer material including a ratchet wheel connected With one of said rollers, a lever pivotally mounted adjacent said ratchet wheel, a pawl mounted on said lever and resiliently urged against said ratchet wheel, and means synchronized with the operation of said plunger for moving said lever to feed said washer material, and including a link pivotally connected with said lever, a bar slidably mounted and connected with said link, a linger mounted on said bar, and a cam for depressing said finger, resilient means urging said nger upwards, and stop means for llimiting the amount said finger may move upwards and follow said cam.

l1. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for 'feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom Washer from said strip for entering said die, .means for guiding .said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said `die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a'washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers .for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, said cutter comprising two sections one of which `is stationary and the other of which moves towards the stationary section for cutting the washer.

12. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in backV of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of Washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer .from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with-said can feeding means for. inserting :a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the ldie supplied with washers, and means for feeding said vstrip cf Washer material to keep said cutter supplied; said .means for reciprocating said plunger includes a continuously Yrotating disc provided with an .eccentric pin, and a bracket mounted on said 'plunger and .having a slot rengaged by said eccentric pin by which said plunger is reciprocated. Y

13. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery 'cans to a position in Vback of said die and `then past said die, means f or guiding atstripof Washer material towards said die, 'a cutter rfor cutting a bottomy Washer from said strip .for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, .a plunger in front 0f said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means .for reciprocating said plunger Asynchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a Vwasher into each can as the cans .are removed past said die, means (for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the die to keep the die supplied with Washers, and means for feeding said strip of washer material 'to keep said cutter supplied, said means for reciprocating said plunger includes a continuously rotating disc Yprovided with an eccentric p'in, and a bracket mounted on said plunger and having a slot engaged by said eccentric pin, by which said plunger is reciprocated, said means for feeding battery cans includes a Geneva drive `for .feeding said battery cans in place.

14. A bottom washer .machine for kbattery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans .to fa position in back of said die and then `past said die, means .for guiding a strip of washer 'material' towards said die, a cutterfor cutting a vbottom Washer from said strip for :entering said die, means for guiding said Washer to enter lsaid die, fa plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back ofsaid die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding .means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for loperai-,ing .said cutter for cutting washers for the Vdie to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said lstrip of Washer material to .keep said cutter supplied, said cutter includes a moveable :section which is moved for the cutting operation, anda bracket mounted on said plunger and engageable with said moveable .section for operating said cutter.

l5. v.A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to 'a position in back of said die and then -past said die, means .for `guiding strip of Washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a :bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means 'for :guiding said washer to'en'ter said die, a .plungerin front of said die for forcing 'a washer from said die and into the can in back `of said die, .means for reci-procating said l.plunger .synchronized with said can .feeding .means for'zinserting ia washer into eachV canas the cans are removed past :said die, means-:for operating said cutter for cutting washers for the rdie to keep the die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strip -of washer material to keep .said cutter supplied, and includ ing an adjustment for controlling the .amount by which .said strip of washer material `is fed forwards for each washer cut `from said .strip Aof material. l

16. .A bottom washer machine .for battery cans, comprising a driven shaft provided with a disc having an eccentric pin, -a bottom washer receiving dieymeans for feeding .battery cans to a position in back of saiddie and `then past said die and including arotative wheel having flanges with opening .for receiving the .battery cans', and a transmission from said driven 'shaft including fa Geneva "drive .for periodically turning :said wheel, means for guiding 'a .strip of washer material towards Asaid die, 'a cutter for 'cutting a bottom washer for said strip for entering said die, means for guiding saidv 'washer-*to enterfsaididie, :a plungerin'front cfsaid die ffor 4forcing awasher 13 from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are moved past said die and including a bracket mounted on said plunger and having a slot engaged by said eccentric pin by which' said plunger is reciprocated, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers from said strip of washer material to keep said die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strips of washer material to keep said cutter supplied.

17. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a driven shaft provided with a disc having an eccentric pin, a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die and including a rotative wheel having flanges with openings for receiving the battery cans, and a transmission from said driven shaft including a Geneva drive for periodically turning said wheel, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer for said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a punger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for Ainserting a washer into each can as the cans are moved past said die, and including a bracket engaged by said eccentric pin by which said plunger is reciprocated, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers from said strip of washer material to keep said die supplied with Washers, and means for feeding said strips of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, said means for operating said cutter including a bracket mounted on said plunger and engageable with said cutter for operating the cutter.

18. A bottom washer machine for battery cans, comprising a driven shaft provided with a disc having an eccentric pin, a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cans to a position in back of said die and then past said die and including a rotative wheel having flanges with openings for receiving the battery cans, and a transmission from said driven shaft including a Geneva drive for periodically turning said wheel, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer for said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter Said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a Washer into each can as the cans are moved past said die, and including a bracket engaged by said eccentric pin by which said plunger is reciprocated, means for operating said cutter for cutting washers from said strip of washer material to keep said die supplied with washers, and means for feeding said strips of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, including a cam operated by said transmission.

19. A bottom Washer machine for battery cans, comprising a bottom washer receiving die, means for feeding battery cansto a position in back of said die and then past said die, means for guiding a strip of washer material towards said die, a cutter for cutting a bottom washer from said strip for entering said die, means for guiding said washer to enter said die, a plunger in front of said die for forcing a washer from said die and into the can in back of said die, means for reciprocating said plunger synchronized with said can feeding means for inserting a washer into each can as the cans are removed past said die, means for operating said cutter'for cutting Washers for the die to keep the die supplied with washers, means for feeding said strip of washer material to keep said cutter supplied, and a back stop for the can which is in a position in back of said die.

ALFRED SCHMIDT.

REFERENCES CETED vThe following references are of record in the file of this patent;

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,037,005 Hiller et al Aug. 27, 1912 1,047,530 Jenkins Dec. 17, 1912 2,061,576 Huyett Nov. 24, 1936 

